The closure of the popular venue, which first opened its doors in 2012, comes as a surprise.

It occupied the building following the closure of Yates’s, in January, 2007, and after the premises underwent a £250,000 regeneration before the pub reopened as the up-market Slug & Lettuce, on February 9, 2007.

But, in 2008, the bar and restaurant closed and the interior was fully stripped out, and since then the 19th-century building has stood empty – until 2012.

A popular Southport pub is closing down

The business have closed down their Facebook page, and website - and listed themselves as "permanently closed" on Google.

Visiter.co.uk understands that today will be their last day of trading, and that beverages will be sold at discount prices.

What do you think of The Sandgrounder closing? Let us know by emailing chantelle.heeds@trinitymirror.com.